Bruce,

My information comes from a long line of family lore that can be backed by official documentation. Like you, I enjoy family lore every bit as much as the next but have put little in print that I have not researched in great deal. For the above post I offer the following evidence.

Jeptha Bowles was the brother to Martha Bowles, wife of Martin Van Buren Denning. Martha's father Bowles Denning was named in honor of Jeptha's great grand father. Jeptha lived with family in 1861 in Ripley County, Mo.

Richard Boze and his brother statred the mill on the Eleven points river in Oregon County (the federals call it the Irish Wilderness are). Richard Boze joined Todd the same year as John Lowry and Jeptha Bowles. Yes, I too see that other researchers have misstated in leaving the names of Lowry and Boze out of the "official records" but the official records amount to a single list of names taken from a dead partisan in 1863.

I have a handwritten statement from an eyewitness to John's lynching by Capt Langs men IN RIPLEY COUNTY.

I have read the official account of the murder of Boze by the 7th division of the Missouri home guard. You may also read the claim made to the Provost Marshall by William Lowry Jr (living in Iron county at the time) for a horse stolen by raider, Richard Boze.

You must remember the federal massacre that took place at the Ponder farm and the depravations these southern Missourians faced daily. The folks of Southern Missouri wanted no trouble with Gen Butler and his bankers so many simply took the oath and faded back to farm life.

For free I will give you another one of John, Richard, and Jeptha's raiding partners...Aleck Shelton, also of Ripley county (at least while hiding).

Below, you find a cut and paste from the Provost papers, concerning Boze, Lowry, and Shelton.

Lowry, William Iron Affidavit that horse stolen by guerrillas in Ripley County, now in possession of Capt. Stratton; attested to by William P. O'Neal & William A. Lowry 03-18-1865 F 1363
Lowry, William Iron Lowry vs. U.S.; July 1863 guerrillas Dick Boze & Aleck Shelton imprisoned him & took mare; U.S. soldier has her; statements by William O'Neal & son William A. Lowry; Lt. Cotton took her from Shelton 03-22-1865 F 1363
Lowry, William Iron Statement by officers of the command: after deliberation, horse in possession of assistant quartermaster determined to be Lowry's; mare was turned over 03-22-1865 F 1363

Remember, William Jr didn't even petition the government that he was missing a horse for almost two years and after Richard Boze was killed by his raiding party.

I hope this helps